Thailand borders fully reopen post-covid

Thailand borders fully reopen from 1st October 2022, and international travellers to Thailand will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results. In addition, longer length of stays are available, signalling the completion of the kingdom’s full reopening to international tourism.

The announcement was made by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) on 1st October, effective until 31st March, 2023. The period of stay in Thailand will be extended to 45 days (from 30 days) for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption, and to 30 days (from 15 days) for those eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA).

Thailand borders fully reopen to all

Making the announcement, TAT Governor, Yuthasak Supasorn’s message to the world’s tourists was that as Thailand borders fully reopen post-covid, this fascinating destination offers something for everyone. He also introduced the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, using the ‘From A-Z: Amazing Thailand Has It All’ concept.

…. We invite tourists to come and experience the existing and new tourism offerings in Thailand which, together with the kingdom’s increasing move towards sustainable and responsible tourism, will make for a truly memorable holiday. Yuthasak Supasorn

Thailand’s reopening has been gradual but measured starting from 1st July, 2021, with the Phuket Sandbox, Samui Plus, and 7+7 Extension programmes. This was followed by a four-phase reopening timeline between October 2021 and January 2022 which opened more destinations throughout the country.  The Thailand Pass registration scheme was removed on 1 July, 2022 and foreign nationals as of then only had to show proof of vaccination or a negative ATK test result within 72 hours of travel.

What’s on?

Now, with the kingdom fully reopened and international visitor arrivals rising, international events and local festivals are returning and major international and regional airlines are resuming flights from countries worldwide.

Upcoming events include

• a number of APEC events as Thailand is the 2022 host of APEC:
  • APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) is scheduled from 19-21 October, 2022
  • APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) is from 14-19 November, 2022
• Vegetarians will enjoy the popular Vegetarian Festival from 24th September to 5th October, 2022,
  • in different locations throughout the country;
• Bangkok Art Biennale (BAB 2022)  from 22nd October, 2022, to 23rd February, 2023,
  • at various locations across Bangkok
  • featuring works by 73 local and international artists.

The world’s first fully-branded Columbia Pictures movie theme park featuring rides and attractions from Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Hotel Transylvania and other blockbusters is set to open in Bang Saray on 12th October, this year. Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse is a short drive from Pattaya, not far from Bangkok.

Thailand’s standing as a world-class gastronomy destination, street food or fine dining, is well known. The sixth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand is due for release at the end of 2022. Featured for the first time, will be Northeast Thailand or Isan in addition to Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Phang-Nga.

Thai Airways International (THAI) 2022-2023 winter schedule (30th October, 2022 – 25th March, 2023) is operating flights on 34 European, Australian, and Asian routes with increased frequencies on selected routes.

The schedule includes daily flights between Bangkok and

• London
• Paris
• Zurich
• Frankfurt
• Copenhagen
• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Fukuoka
• Manila
• Seoul
• Taipei
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Jakarta
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Delhi
• Mumbai
• Dhaka
• Karachi

The resumption of flights to Thailand from all over the world, together with the return to pre-pandemic entry requirements, and the extension of stay periods for tourists, usher in the kingdom’s high season which runs from October to March. Thailand is pleased to be welcoming tourists back, but while you enjoy a fun holiday, you are reminded to remain vigilant and to continue to abide by health and safety standards.

Countries and Territories & visa requirements

The document is also available online in both English and Thai.

Department of Consular Affairs, 30 September 2022

Remarks

* Passport holders of Brazil, Korea (ROK) and Peru are entitled for tourist visa exemption scheme. Meanwhile, Thailand also holds bilateral agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports for a visit of not exceeding 90 days with Brazil, Korea (ROK) and Peru.
** Passport holders of Vietnam and Hong Kong are entitled for tourist visa exemption scheme. Meanwhile, Thailand also holds bilateral agreements on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official and ordinary passports for a visit of not exceeding 30 days with Vietnam and Hong Kong.
*** From 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, the period of stay for visa-on-arrival is extended from 15 to 30 days.
**** From 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, the period of stay for tourist visa exemption scheme is extended from 30 to 45 days. In addition, the period of stay for bilateral agreements on visa exemption are extended from 14 and 30 days to 45 days.